いいえ
īe[iːe̞]
The English phrase "no formally" is translated into Japanese as いいえ (īe).
いいえ is used to deny a statement or to answer 'no' to a question in polite or formal settings.
Which one should you use?
While いいえ is the formal way to say no, ううん is the common informal way used with friends and family.
Did you know?
- In many social situations, Japanese speakers will avoid using いいえ entirely, opting instead to use a soft 'no' through silence or a change in subject.
- In Japanese culture, saying いいえ when receiving a compliment is often a sign of modesty rather than a disagreement with the speaker.
- The formal いいえ and the informal いや both share a common ancestor in the ancient word 否, which meant 'no'.
Examples in context
- いいえ、残念ながら都合がつきません。No, unfortunately I am unable to arrange my schedule for that.
- 申し訳ありませんが、明日は他の予定があるため、ご一緒できません。I'm sorry, but I have other plans tomorrow, so I can't join you.
- 申し訳ありませんが、お断りいたします。他のプロジェクトに集中する必要があります。I apologize, but I decline. I need to focus on another project.
- いいえ、違います。Iie, chigaimasu.No, that is wrong.
- いいえ、まだ食べていません。Iie, mada tabete imasen.No, I haven't eaten yet.
Example conversation
Kenta is offering Hiyori a drink.
- 陽葵 Himariお茶を飲みますか？Ocha o nomimasu ka?Would you like some tea?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、大丈夫です。Iie, daijoubu desu.No, I'm fine.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました。Wakarimashita.I understand.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry いいえ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries いいえ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
